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LOT 2071
Viking Silver Stamped Broad Axe Pendant
CIRCA 9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
2 in. (10.71 grams, 52.11 mm).
Wire hoop; free-running triangular pendant decorated with two bands of stamped opposed pellet-in-triangle motifs to each face. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
LiteratureCf. Fuglesang, S.H., Viking and medieval amulets in Scandinavia in Fornvännen, Journal of Swedish Antiquarian Research, 1989, no.84, pp.15-27.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Viking Silver-Gilt Elfshot Pendant with Stone Arrowhead
9th-11th century A.D. and earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £845
Comprising a silver sleeve with a knapped flint arrowhead, a circular cell set with a clear glass cabochon above. 3.46 grams, 44.84 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
This amulet was believed to offer protection against 'Elfshot'. The attack of elves was believed responsible for mysterious suffering in men and livestock: sudden shooting pains localised to a particular area of the body, such as in rheumatism, arthritis, or muscle stitches or cramps. Elves were thought to shoot darts or arrows where such pains had no obvious external cause. Belief in elfshot persisted into the 20th century in rural areas, and as proof, country folk would sometimes find small arrowheads (the remains of Neolithic or Mesolithic flints, or naturally-occurring spear-shaped stones) that were believed to be the magical weapons that caused the afflictions. Belief in elfshot began in the Pagan Germanic period. -
Viking Age Bronze Tweezers
Circa 9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
With broad arms and rounded finials; incised ring-and-dot detailing. 4.58 grams, 44 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. -
Anglo-Scandinavian Viking Bronze Stirrup Apex Mount with Howling Beast
11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Formed with a tongue-shaped body, of Williams's Class A Type 11 with pierced trefoil lug above, ledge to the reverse, two fixing holes, high-relief profile wolf with head thrown back and mouth open in a howling posture. 24 grams, 49.5 mm
Ex Manchester, UK, collection, 1990s. Accompanied by a previous typed catalogue information card.
